Changes to safe patient ratios have passed state parliament, but The Nationals say workforce planning and adequate funding must be addressed to ensure regional hospitals can meet the new requirements.
The legislation reclassifies seventeen regional hospitals with Bairnsdale, Sale, West Gippsland and Wonthaggi hospitals elevated to Level 2 and Latrobe Regional Health to Level 1.
Emergency departments at Bairnsdale, Sale and West Gippsland are now classified Level 2.
“These changes recognise the growing demand and complexity of care being delivered in Gippsland hospitals.”
Speaking in state parliament, Member for Eastern Victoria Region Melina Bath said stronger nurse and midwife staffing ratios are sensible reform, but regional hospitals are already facing workforce shortages and mounting budget pressures.
“Improving patient outcomes is a goal we all support, but Labor has failed to build the workforce pipeline needed to deliver these reforms, particularly in regional and rural Victoria.
“After 12 years in government, Labor has allowed a growing mismatch between nursing graduates and available graduate positions, while many regional health services continue to struggle to recruit specialist nurses and manage increasing financial pressures.
“Changing legislation will not magically create the workforce or deliver funding for new staff.”
Ms Bath said the reclassifications reflect the increasing healthcare needs of Gippsland communities but there are concerns about recruiting and retaining enough nurses to support the changes.
“The Carroll Labor Government has failed to answer if beds will be closed, capacity reduced or elective surgeries further delayed if the new staffing requirements can’t be met.
“Stronger staffing ratios can improve patient care, but only if hospitals have the workforce and resources to deliver them.
“Across Gippsland, nurses support patients and families through some of life’s most difficult moments, and every Victorian deserves confidence when they need care, a skilled nurse is there to provide it.
“A Nationals and Liberal Government will focus on building the workforce pipeline, supporting frontline nurses and ensuring regional hospitals have the staff and resources they need to deliver quality patient care.”